Uniform dispersion of 1 : 1 PtRu nanoparticles in ordered mesoporous carbon for improved methanol oxidation.

PtRu nanoparticles dispersed in CMK3 mesoporous carbons have been prepared via a CPDM (carbonization over poly-furfuryl alcohol-protected dispersed mixed metals) method. The as-synthesized CMK3 supported PtRu nanoparticles are characterized using tomography and cross-sectional TEM analysis and are compared against those synthesized by the conventional ethylene glycol (EG) method. The atomic ratio of Pt : Ru, which has an essential role on methanol oxidation, is found to be consistent at the nanometer scale. The good dispersion and uniform composition of PtRu nanoparticles result in improved methanol oxidation performance including higher methanol oxidation current and long-term stability.